Indian Bihar Jain Bronze Silver-Inlaid Pala Image of Ambika

Provenance

UK art market

This fine and very early Jain image of Ambika (or ‘Mother’) dates to around the tenth century. The goddess is the yaksi or dedicated attendant deity of Neminath, the 22nd Tirthankara.

The goddess is shown here with two arms. In the right hand she holds a mango, one of her identifying attributes. In the other, she holds one of her sons, either Priyankara or Shubhankara. Her full breasts and prominent hips emphasise the ‘mother’ aspect. The remnants of an aureole rise behind her.

The image has a varied, encrusted patina consistent with great age. Small remnants of silver inlay remain.